Experts to discuss new church norms on marriage nullity

Madrid, Spain, Oct 19, 2005 / 12:00 am (CNA).- More than a hundred experts on church law will gather at the University of Navarre in Spain to analyze and discuss the new Instruction Dignitas connubii, in force since last January, which all diocesan tribunals must apply when dealing with cases of marriage annulment.

The gathering will take place at the prestigious university operated by the Opus Dei on October 24-26.

Among those attending will be Father Frans Daneels of the Apostolic Signatura in Rome, Father Santiago Panizo Orallo, Dean of the Spanish Rota, and Msgr. Joaquin Llobell, professor at the Holy Cross University in Roma.

Professor Rafael Rodriguez-Ocaña, who is leading the gathering, said the purpose is "to make known the most important developments in the area of church law. Therefore, we are inviting experts who have participated in the drafting of these norms or who are especially related to the material."

He said the issue was chosen because of its timeliness and because "the function of justice carried out by the diocesan tribunals is of much importance to the Church, especially in reference to marriage annulments."